Assignment question: Explain how the organization of the GI wall supports communication between local enteric networks and the central nervous system.

The lecture describes two local neural networks. The **myenteric plexus** lies between the muscle coats, and the **submucosal plexus** lies within the submucosa. Both have connections with cells of the tract, and interneurons link the two plexuses. **Extrinsic nerves** provide communication with the central nervous system. These arrangements allow local GI neural circuits to exchange information with each other and with the CNS. **Key takeaway:** Enteric plexuses are locally connected networks that also communicate with the CNS through extrinsic nerves.\n\n**Glossary:**\n- **Enteric plexus**: A network of nerve cells in the GI wall.\n- **Interneuron**: A neuron that connects other neurons within a network.\n- **Extrinsic nerve**: A nerve connecting the GI plexuses with the CNS.